EXTRA security measures will be introduced at a Runcorn beauty spot, after travellers visited for the second time in less than a month.

Scores of Irish travellers set up site at Haddocks Wood while attending a funeral in Widnes.

Only last month the travellers were forced to leave the site after the council served an eviction notice.

The council had provided skips and portable lavatory blocks at the illegal site, but the travellers left tons of waste and defecated in the field.

One witness said: 'People would give them more of a chance if they didn't leave everything in such a disgusting state.

'The council set up the portable toilets but the travellers seemed to prefer to do their business on the meadow in full view of dog walkers and people using the nearby allotments.

'It is disgusting to think that for the second time in three weeks us Council Tax-payers are going to have to stump up to have the site cleaned again.'

However, council chiefs have announced that work has begun to make the site more secure to deter further illegal camps.

A spokesman said: 'Halton Borough Council has taken steps to improve security around Haddocks Wood and is also looking at security measures around the surrounding area to prevent further incursions on council land.